Legal Exhaust Options?

[biochembruin]

Hey, so here in California, it is illegal to replace any original equipment catalytic converter on an OBD II vehicle (which includes all 1996 and later model vehicles). This limits my options for legally modifying my exhaust. I realize I could just change my exhaust back to stock before any smog checks, but Id rather not worry about that. So which of these would be best, keeping in mind that Id really like to keep the stock Mazdaspeed muffler:

1: Changing all exhaust piping with larger diameter (probably 2.5 inches), but keeping the original cats.
2: Changing just the cat-back piping and ultimately going with an aftermarket muffler.

Would either of these even be worth the trouble? Also, if I did replace both cats with a single high-flow cat, would that pass smog (providing that the visual inspection might fail)? Any input would be great. Thanks.

 

[akhilleus]

u can buy the 1st cat and hollow it and then switch it for emissions. Thats what i m doin and i am in nj where it is almost as strict as cali. also for the exhaust i would switch out the entire setup for a nice turbo exhaust...2.5in pipe with aftermarket muffler...also u can replace the second cat with a hi-flow since it doesnt have o2 sensors monitoring it. pm me for more info on the cat swap if u need to

 

[SP33D]

Instead of cracking down on import tuners... why don't they crack down on old trucks and old cars that emit like a cloud of black smoke every time they move 3 feet?

 

[Dexter]

Instead of cracking down on import tuners... why don't they crack down on old trucks and old cars that emit like a cloud of black smoke every time they move 3 feet?

because the laws are convieniently different for them; therefore, they have nothing to enforce

its crap.

 

[PhreakV]

Instead of cracking down on import tuners... why don't they crack down on old trucks and old cars that emit like a cloud of black smoke every time they move 3 feet?

because import tuners do not have interest groups to lobby for them in government offices...

 

[akhilleus]

They do now... SEMA is actively lobbying for the import scene. I saw an ad on tv on TNN during the Power Block.

 

[jersey_emt]

I saw in a magazine the other day (I think it was Import Tuner), and they had an article on what's legal/what's not legal. Apparently, Random high-flow cats are 50 state legal.

Just a thought.

 

[RAAZ227]

I saw in a magazine the other day (I think it was Import Tuner), and they had an article on what's legal/what's not legal. Apparently, Random high-flow cats are 50 state legal.

Just a thought.

Yes that is True!

Certain applications

 

[jersey_emt]

Just checked Random Technology's website...unfortunately you can't replace the stock cats in california on any ODB-II vehicle.

Sorry to get anyone's hopes up.